2008 Yamaha V Star 1300 Tourer

This is an update on my previous review on the design of the windshield. I finally removed the factory windshield because of the drag and the wind noise created by the lowers and installed a batwing fairing with the tall windshield. I also bought the extensions for the bottom of the fairing which ... made a real difference. I would recommend that set up or something similar for anyone considering purchasing this bike. The wind noise whistling through the factory windshield is gone and the comfort level is vastly improved. The ride is much quieter and the bike feels better in the wind. I don't feel the drag on the handlebars and the air flow is much better and I can hear the engine purr. The buffeting is gone and it is now a much improved animal. I would like to see Yamaha get on board with this, because it makes this bike a pleasure to ride. I only have about 5,000 miles on the bike to date, but now I feel like I can take her out on a longer ride without being miserable. A nice side on this, is that the gas mileage improved also. Now, if you can figure out how to make a v-twin a little smoother so your butt doesn't go numb, we would have a real winner.

I bought this Yamaha this year and is the first bike for me in 26 years. It has not dissappointed me. The bike rides nice, has loads of power and the braking is awsome. I bought a set of lowers from Yamaha which improved the wind buffeting problem. I am not a high speed rider, so the bike certainly ... meets my expectations. But if I wanted it, this bike can out power most bikes out there.

I have had my 2008 V Star 1300 Tourer for two years now and just passed 21,400 miles. It is a great bike for a "mid size" bike. Plenty of power and a smooth ride. I average 46 mpg freeway and 37 city (it is the RPMs that factor into gas mileage. I would not go so far as to say that it is perfect, ... but I plan to ride this bike for many more enjoyable miles.

To be fair to yama, as well as other manufactures it needs to be pointed out that excessive buffeting is fairly common among many bikes and can be easily eliminated by installing air deflectors on the forks (they are commonly called "lowers") for maybe $100 out of pocket...

IT'S THE BEST BIKE FOR THE MONEY!!!! I WILL PUT IT AGANST ANY OTHER 1300 ...

This bike will do 95 in 3rd gear and flat out smoke alot of larger cc bikes,its watercooled,fuel injected,belt drivin power train is smooth as is the handling,rides 2 up like a dream and still gets alot of looks,i own one and would not hesitate to purchase another,i rode honda,hd,susuki,kawasaki ... before my purchase and this bike wins

You have to RIDE this bike to appreciate what is can do . Handling, cornering, and especially gearing exceeds that of it's smaller but popular V star 650 & 1100 family members. This machine can perform .

Great for around town riding but wait until you get this bike on the highway .

That ... is when it really starts to show it's strong side . Smooth !

Most riders will prefer a handlebar change for more pull back comfort .

Highly recommended !!!!